A Star Is Reborn

Beverly Hills Hotel's Future Is Linked To Hollywood's Glorious Past

June 12, 1995|By Gary Dretzka, Tribune Staff Writer.

"It is more important than ever," he says, with emphasis. "You can have the most gorgeous hotel, most gorgeous physical condition, most gorgeous china . . . if you don't have the human touch, personal service, it means nothing."

The rooms range in price from $275 a night to $3,000. The low-end rooms are surprisingly plush, with canopy beds, walk-in closets (even white robes for kids), telephones everywhere and a marble-filled bathroom larger than many New York hotel rooms. Patios overlook gardens, and some special guests even get a permanent, personal phone number and stationery.

The bungalows--where much of Hollywood's tabloid history has played out--are little homes, and all the necessities for self-sufficiency are included (John Lennon and Yoko Ono are said to have holed up in No. 2 for a week without leaving).

Many of the hotel's senior staff and other employees were let go after it closed in 1992 and replaced by non-union workers, prompting a loud demonstration outside the gates before the reopening-night party. But among the longtime professionals returning to the service of the hotel are tennis pro Alex Olmedo, pool-and-cabana manager Svend Petersen, and Nino Osti, beloved maitre d' of the Polo Lounge who has catered to powerful guests--and just plain ol' folks--for 25 years, directing them to the right booth, observing their care and feeding, and making sure their messages get through.

On the gala reopening night, a benefit sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Foundation, it was like old times: limousines deposited their valuable cargo at the front door, paparazzi fired away, champagne flowed, a vast array of California cuisine was served and several wandering bands and orchestras filled the hallways and ballrooms with music. Among the other diversions, Petersen oversaw a water ballet in his pool.

Most of the guests seemed immediately comfortable and at home among the changes, although some raised their eyebrows at the bright new apricot and peach tones in the lobby. It was an excessively friendly gathering, and few people rushed to catch their early limo home.

The media here and across the country had loudly trumpeted the event in advance, creating much anticipation and setting a rather high target for excellence in a highly competitive industry. Yet the grand old veteran welcomed its old friends back with a reassuring hug and hearty hello.

For one evening, at least, everything new was old again--and somehow better.